Coconut
The coconut tree is of the palm family, and is the only species of the genus cocos growing 30 m tall. The coconut is the fruit of this tree. These trees are common in the tropical regions, like in tropical Asia, and Trinidad and Tobago. The fruit as a whole is a very useful one and each and every part of it can be put to some use or the other. For example, the outer layer of the coconut is a coir is used by many industries to make a variety of products, the water in the raw coconut is a good drink, the seed is used in cooking, and oil is also derived from the nut.

An average coconut tree yields about 60 coconuts, whereas some even yield three times this amount. Though it takes up to a year for coconuts to mature, the trees bloom up to thirteen times a year, so the fruit is constantly forming, yielding a continuous harvest all year-round. The name coconut is actually a misnomer for the fruit, as it is not a nut but a drupe, and is the largest seed known to mankind.

Coconut Water
A fresh coconut when opened has an opaque and a clear textured sweet fluid, which is called the water of the coconut. As is believed, it is not the coconut milk, but is simply coconut water. It is often consumed as a cooling and refreshing drink, by the people living in hot and humid climatic conditions. More water content can be found in young green coconuts, whereas the as they mature the water gets absorbed in the flesh of the nut.

Not only is it a refreshing drink, but it also a healthy drink, which is low on carbs, 99% fat free and low in sugar content. Although it is best had fresh, but at present coconut water is being packed in convenient packages and are being made available in stores all around the world. It is a natural "isotonic drink", and possesses the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood., and is often referred to as the "fluid of life".

It is often touted as a health drink, as it has high content of potassium and minerals, which help the body to recover from rigorous exercise. Green coconuts, with some age spots are ideal for drinking. The taste of the coconut water depends upon the place, where it has been grown. For example, the Indian coconuts are a little salty, whereas the coconuts from Brazil have a sweet water and flesh.

Coconut water acts like a medicine for people, who wish to control their blood pressure and obesity. As coconut has less calories than orange juice, it forms an important component of a healthy diet. It contains lorric acid, which is present in mother's milk. It also boasts of a potassium content much higher than many energy drinks. Care should be taken that the water is had fresh, as it tends to lose its nutrients after it combines with the environment.

Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water

Coconut water is a natural drink and has many benefits, which may be listed as follows:

Drinking coconut water keeps the body cool and also aids in maintaining a normal body temperature

It facilitates the effective transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the cells

As coconut water is an isotonic beverage, it orally re-hydrates the body and and naturally replenishes the body's fluids, which are lost while exercising

It also helps to raise the metabolism rate of the body, thereby promoting weight loss

This elixir also gives a boost to the immunity system, and strengthens the body's ability to detoxify and fight diseases

Coconut water is an effective digestive tract cleanser

It proves beneficial for diabetic patients to control diabetes

Aids your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS

Helps keep the pH balance in check, thereby reducing the risk of cancer